There are weddings full of pretty details, and then there are weddings full of details that represent and bring together different cultures and family memories. This Spring wedding was one classic romantic day Vanessa and Al, and their loved ones, will cherish for years to come.
From the bride…when it came to planning our wedding and figuring out our vision, the most important thing was to incorporate elements that represented where we come from and who we are. The Singer sewing table used as a memorial for beloved family members, the favors, Pasteis de Nata, family linens, decor pieces that showcased what we do…..that’s all an integral part of our families and our past. Every thoughtful detail was just a small touch of where are now, and what our future holds.
Vanessa is a true beauty already, but her stunning beaded gown was a showstopper! And yet her classic diamond jewelry, hairpiece and stone crusted heels made her sparkle even more! Her bouquet, a lush white bundle of fragrant Peonies, Ranunculus and Roses, oh it was a vision of pure elegance.
Honoring each other’s cultures and family traditions was one of the most important things for Vanessa and Al. They officially said “I Do” in Al’s family church, honoring his Orthodox religion.
Classic romantic touches were everywhere! From the simple yet beautiful invitations from Shine Wedding Invitations perfectly dressed with vintage details like floral envelope liners and gold wax seals, to the perfect mix of sparkling silver and gold candlelight and the most darling chocolate boxes wrapped in velvet ribbon and more wax seals.
Add in a classic Rolls Royce getaway car, an endless amount of soft eucalyptus and family treasures, there was no shortage of personal vintage details.
Guests were welcomed into cocktail hour with a grand and beautiful display — elegant blush draping, classic black and white escort cards and lovely photos of the newly married couple. A direction sign post served as a timeline of Vanessa and Al’s love story and a floor plan of The Westmount Country Club which was kindly designed by a friend of the groom, was not only a sweet surprise for Al, but a nod to his engineering background.
But the sweetest, most heartfelt detail may have been the vintage sewing table the bride redid with her father. It served as a memorial table to honor Al’s late grandfather and Vanessa’s cherished late aunt. It even displayed one of the bride’s treasured family linens, a traditional piece from her region in Portugal.
With it being the peak of Cherry Blossom season, there was no way we couldn’t incorporate everyone’s favorite flowering branch, a beloved bloom of the bride’s. Atlas Floral created grand, yet simple and classic centerpieces with these beautiful blossom branches, while other tables varied with tall and low lush centerpieces of fluffy white hydrangea, light pink roses and pretty wishing greens. The final touch were endless silver and gold candles that glistened well into the night against the mirror table numbers!
If the sweet details and family portraits displayed for all the guests to see and “share their love” didn’t show you just how much these two value their families and culture, then the dance floor sure did! With an energetic Lebanese drummer, and a fun mix of Lebanese and Portuguese music, guests couldn’t help but to bate o pé!!
If there’s one thing Vanessa and Al really put their thought into, it was definitely their guests, who I still refer to as loved ones more than just wedding guests. Chocolate box favors were hand wrapped and sealed with gold wax, baskets filled with “dance floor” flip flops were waiting for tired feet, and boxes filled with custom white and gold matchboxes were placed around for guests to take home. They also had a fun time posing and snapping memories in the photo booth, and then placing their photo strips in bookmark keepsakes, a nod to the bride’s teaching career.
But THE BEST treat was waiting for guests as they finished their last dance and headed out the door….a spectacular spread of boxed Pasteis de Nata, more commonly known as Portuguese Custard Cups!! Nearly everyone, no matter if you’re Portuguese or not, loves this signature dessert. Guests couldn’t get enough of them, some opened their sweets immediately while others couldn’t wait to savor their custard cup alongside their coffee the following morning!
It’s been a year since Vanessa and Al’s special day, and I’m still so very lucky to have been part of their journey as their wedding planner, which even included planning Vanessa’s bridal shower!
Romantic, classic and elegant — every moment of Vanessa and Al’s wedding was beautiful!
Planning + Design : Dreamery Events | Photography : JD Photography | Flowers : Atlas Florals | Ceremony : St. George Antochian Orthodox Christian Church | Reception Venue : The Westmount Country Club | Invitations : Shine Wedding Invitations | Videography : A Touch of Class | Transportation : Santos VIP Limo Service | Makeup : Red Carpet Faces |
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